Lukashenko's New Decree: Increased Employer Responsibility for Foreign Workers in Belarus

Belarus Tightens Regulations for Foreign Workers: New Decree Aims to Improve Integration and Accountability MINSK, BELARUS – In a move to enhance the oversight of foreign labor in Belarus, President Alexander Lukashenko recently signed a decree that significantly increases the responsibilities of employers who hire foreign nationals. This decree, which has already begun to impact employment practices, mandates that employers must now conclude employment contracts within 30 days of a foreign worker's arrival in the country. Furthermore, employers are now tasked with verifying the validity of all necessary visas and ensuring that adequate living conditions are provided for their employees. "The decree is designed to ensure that the quality of services provided to foreign workers is significantly improved," stated Tatyana Astreyko, First Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Belarus, during a recent interview. "This will also help to simplify the process of social integration for these workers within their respective work collectives." The decree also addresses the issue of worker mobility. A ban has been implemented on the temporary transfer of foreign workers to other employers. This measure aims to promote stability and commitment within the workforce. The implications of this new decree are far-reaching, impacting not only employers but also the foreign workers themselves, who will experience a more regulated and closely monitored employment environment. One foreign worker interviewed, Merdan Charyev, a Turkmen national working at the Kamvol textile factory, expressed his positive experience working in Belarus, highlighting the favorable working conditions and the tolerant attitude of his Belarusian colleagues. The decree represents a significant shift in Belarus's approach to foreign labor, prioritizing accountability and integration. It is a step towards creating a more structured and supportive environment for both employers and foreign workers alike, contributing to a more harmonious and productive labor market.